langley eNews

October 12, 2023

from the ptsa president

Happy Thursday! I hope everyone is enjoying the cooler temperatures and the numerous Halloween and harvest decorations everywhere. Our second General Membership Meeting will be on Wed, Oct 25 at 9 am in the Lecture Hall. We will have two guest speakers. Student Services Director Dr. Braden Peterson will explain the numerous academic, social, and emotional resources available to our students. In addition, you will meet the social worker, school psychologist and counselors who help guide our students. If you have a question for Dr. Peterson, submit it using this link. Following Dr. Peterson’s presentation, we will host a Q&A session with Principal Greer


The PTSA is in dire need of volunteers to assist in the annual Vision & Hearing Screenings taking place on Oct 24 and 25. This volunteer opportunity requires only a couple of hours of your time. Sign up using this link. Training will be provided to all volunteers.


Be sure to scroll to the end of eNews for new student opps and community opps, including a transportation project survey that will directly impact whether crosswalks are installed on Georgetown Pike and other busy roads in neighborhoods around Langley. The survey deadline is Mon, Oct 16.


Finally, please remind your students that next Thurs, Oct 19, we will be holding our second Saxon Service during Langley Links


Have a wonderful weekend!


~ Joy Hohenthaner, PTSA President

volunteers needed!

fall luncheon: The PTSA Hospitality Committee will host our annual Fall Luncheon for teachers and staff tomorrow, Oct 13. We still need a few more volunteers to bring desserts. If you are able to contribute to the dessert table, sign up here


Thank you to all the parents who have volunteered for the luncheon so far! Without them this luncheon would not be such a sweet event!

hearing & vision screenings: As children’s screen time increases – and the use of AirPods and other headphones also increases – their vision and hearing may be affected. Consider volunteering for the annual hearing and vision screenings of students in 10th grade, as well as new students, on Tues, Oct 24 and Wed, Oct 25. We need 10 volunteers for each class period when the screening will occur. Sign up using this link.


Training will be provided to all volunteers. Contact Madonna Krawczyk with any questions at Madonna.krawczyk@hotmail.com

saxon stage

Langley High School's Saxon Stage takes on the world of Wonderland. Join us as we follow Alice down the rabbit hole into a world that is truly upside down. In Wonderland, Alice is challenged by her curiosity and knowledge as she meets various creatures and people along the way. She is guided by the ever-confusing and smiling Cheshire Cat. Will she make it back home for her birthday party with her family and get her cat Dinah out of her doll house? You'll find out when you attend Saxon Stage's production of Alice in Wonderland.


Performances start tonight, Thurs, Oct 12 at 7 pm and run until Sun, Oct 15. Tickets are only $15 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for seniors. 


Click here for more info as well as the complete schedule.

Anyone for a Tea Party? Don't be late for a very important date! Down the rabbit hole, we go!


Join Alice and her friends in Langley Hall (Langley HS door #14) for tea, treats and more surprises before the show! Your ticket to the Tea Party includes admission to the 7 pm performance of Saxon Stage's Alice in Wonderland!  


Dates are Oct 13 at 5:30 pm and Oct 14 at 5:30 pm. We are limited to 50 guests. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Click here for tickets! 

reflections contest

Saxons! The Reflections deadline is fast approaching. Explore, create and submit your original work of art by Oct 27. Choose one or more categories from Visual Arts, Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Photography, Musical Composition or Special Arts.


Be inspired by this year’s Reflections theme “I am Hopeful Because…” What are you hopeful about? Why are you hopeful? Unleash your creative potential and compete at school, regional, state and national levels.


For inspiration, watch the video of winning entries from last year here and see the full list of winners here


For more info, students can talk to their English and/or Art teachers, view A Quick Guide - Reflections 2023, watch this video, scan the QR codes on the Reflections posters in the hallways or email Langleyreflections@gmail.com.

join ptsa today


Check off another "to do"...



click below to join our team!


Membership must be renewed annually and PTSA dues are separate from Class Dues.


Uncertain if you have already joined the PTSA? Email susangconnery@gmail.com.


Note: We are unable to return duplicate memberships and will classify them as donations.

Click here to Join and Donate

angp fundraisers

Join the Class of 2024 ANGP and Wreaths Across America to honor a veteran or first responder during the holidays. For $17, you can sponsor a wreath to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery or one of three other locations supported by Langley during National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec 16.


Every wreath purchased through the LHS ANGP sponsorship site raises money and honors veterans. Click here to order online by Nov 28. Wreaths are placed at Arlington National Cemetery or other cemetery of your choice on Dec 16, National Wreaths Across America Day!


Questions? Email Kristi Grgeta at kristi@grgeta.com

saxon service...

September's Saxon Service was a huge success with close to 300 students coming together to help others in need. Thank you to all of the students who participated and to the parent volunteers who gave their time. One of our most popular activities is Cards for Hospitalized Kids. Students create handmade cards with positive and uplifting messages. Last year Saxon Service donated over 75 cards to a local Ronald McDonald House. Saxon Service received a special note thanking our students for their service. These colorful cards help to spread joy and smiles to hospitalized children.

Encourage your student to participate in the next Saxon Service on Thurs, Oct 19 during Langley Links. Besides making cards, other activities include making dog and cat toys for area shelters, folding origami cranes for people with cancer, making blankets to support Operation Smile and many more.


To participate, students should scan the QR code or click here for the form, which will allow them to obtain a pass to be released for Saxon Service. Once completed, students can log into x2vol.com to have their service hour verified for credit. 


Parents, interested in becoming a Saxon Service volunteer? Contact LHS Family Liaison Julie Zimmerman Hohl at jbzimmerman@fcps.edu.

college fair

Students and families, the Fairfax County College Fair and Postsecondary Week is this Sun, Oct 15 from 4–7 pm at the Eagle Bank Arena at George Mason University and will host approximately 250 colleges and universities. Students can pre-register here.


The Virtual Postsecondary Week sessions are 5, 6, 7 pm, Mon, Oct 16 and Tues, Oct 17. Join in one or all of the live virtual sessions. Students will learn how to better prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey. Click here for info on the session topics each day and video links.

langley college visits

Juniors and seniors, many colleges are visiting Langley this fall! This is a great way to learn more about colleges that interest you and ask questions of the school representatives.


Click here to view the colleges that will be on campus in the next few weeks. The entire list of visits is posted in Naviance. Click on Colleges / College Visits to sign up.


Students are asked to register in Naviance for the visit, then pick up a pass outside of the Career Center and ask their teacher for permission to attend. All students must have a signed pass to attend. 



Students must be juniors or seniors and visits are for students only. 

new families forum

Is your family new to LHS? Did you relocate from another country, state, county or FCPS pyramid? Or from a private school/homeschool program?


Come join Director of Student Services Dr. Braden Peterson for a New Family Forum/Q&A on Student Services Resources. Meet the Student Services Department including counselors, social worker, school psychologist and career counselor on Thurs, Oct 26 from 9–10 am in the Lecture Hall. There will be a social coffee starting at 8:30 am.


RSVP to LHS Family Liaison Julie Zimmerman Hohl at jbzimmerman@fcps.edu.

opps to meet the superintendent

q&a with dr. reid: Students, mark your calendars for Wed, Oct 18 at 6 pm, when the McLean Citizens Association will host an evening to meet with FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. The event is at the McLean Community Center in the Community Hall (1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean).


All students from kindergarten through 12th grade are encouraged to bring their questions or simply come to meet and listen to our new FCPS Superintendent. This event will be focused on questions from students attending elementary, middle, and high school from within the Langley, McLean and Marshall Pyramids.


Questions? Email Jim Beggs at e-y_committee@mcleancitizens.org.

community conversation with dr. reid: FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will meet with parents, students and other stakeholders in person at Madison HS on Tues, Oct 24, 6:30-7:30 pm (2500 James Madison Dr, Vienna, VA 22181). This event is one of the Superintendent Community Conversations series of meetings with all of the school pyramids. It provides an opportunity for Dr. Reid to hear from the community, and for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click here for more info and to register, or register directly here.


If you are unable to attend the Langley pyramid event, FCPS encourages you to attend another pyramid's event at your convenience. See the full list of Community Conversations events here.

saxons did you know...

use for the Saxons did you know blurb. stays small on the mobile view.

... Johns Hopkins Medicine reports: Teens love to label themselves “night owls,” trading stories of all-nighters and sleeping away an entire Saturday. So how much sleep is enough? Teens need 9 to 9½ hours of sleep per night—that’s an hour or so more than they needed at age 10. Why? Teenagers are going through a second developmental stage of cognitive maturation. Additional sleep supports their developing brain, as well as physical growth spurts. It also helps protect them from serious consequences like depression or drug use. Here is the full article from Johns Hopkins Medicine.

sports notes

football youth night: The Varsity game starts at 7 pm vs. McLean on Nov 3. Kids get in free – wear your jersey! Pre-game fun starts at 6 pm. Door prizes! Raffle and Giveaways! Run on the field with the team! See details in the flyer here.

class notes

Read below for class news. Click the green class buttons to go to each class's webpage.

senior graduation dues: Senior graduation dues are required of all seniors. The funds will be used to pay for your student's cap and gown, and to offset the cost of graduation and related expenses. Click here to submit payment.


senior yearbook ads: Click here to purchase a senior ad for the yearbook. Reference order number 4159 (Langley HS) and don’t forget to buy a yearbook while you’re there! Yearbook ads are due Oct 31.

The Freshman Class Dinner is this Mon, Oct 16 from 6-7:30 pm in the Langley HS Cafeteria


Class of 2027 students and their families are invited to mingle and meet our administrator, class sponsors and other families at the Freshman Class Dinner. Dinner will be catered by Cafe Rio. Tickets are $20 per person and are non-refundable. Purchase your tickets on MySchoolBucks by Oct 12. This will be one of the only class-wide events of the year and is our main fundraiser. You won’t want to miss it!


We need volunteers to make this event a success! Click here to sign-up.

student opps

fall festival: Great Falls ES holds their Fall Festival on Sat, Oct 21 from 12-3 pm. We are looking for student volunteers to run the different stations and activities. Verified service hours available! Sign up here.

become a youth ambassador: The McLean Community Center (MCC) seeks district teens to serve as liaisons between their classmates and the MCC Governing Board. 


Youth ambassadors act as liaisons between community youth and the two youth members of the MCC Governing Board. They collect and share the feedback and ideas of local high school students in Dranesville Small District 1A with MCC's board and staff with the goal to strengthen MCC services and programs for that age group.


Youth ambassadors must live within the tax district, be in high school (grades 9-12) and attend either McLean or Langley high schools. Click here for more info. Applications are due by Fri, Nov 3.

community opps

candidate forum: The McLean Citizens Association (MCA) hosts a local candidate forum tonight, Oct 12 for the Dranesville positions of Supervisor and School Board Representative. All area residents are invited! There will be two 45-minute debates in the following order:


Dranesville SupervisorPuneet Ahluwalia and Jimmy Bierman

Dranesville School Board RepRobyn Lady and Paul Bartkowski


The event begins at 7:30 pm in the Community Hall at the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean). The Community Hall doors will open at 7 pm. Arrive early to ensure you get a seat.


Can’t make it in person? Join by Zoom here or by phone at 301-715-8592 (Meeting ID: 851 4825 6052, Passcode: 261141).


Questions? Visit the MCA website or contact Glenn Harris at glennh.email@gmail.com.

free household electronics recycling event: An electronics recycling drop off will be held at St. Francis Episcopal Church on Sat, Oct 14 from 9 am-12 noon (9220 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 22066). There is no charge to Fairfax County residents to recycle used technology; however, recycled electronics cannot be accepted from businesses. A volunteer will be on hand checking in the electronic donations.


Acceptable Electronics Waste Disposal Items for Drop-off: LCD TVs & Monitors, LED TVs & Monitors, Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs), Inkjet or Laser Printers, PCs (desktop, laptop, and tablet), Miscellaneous Wires & Cables, Ink & Toner Cartridges (remove from printing devices prior to disposal), Cell Phones, Stereo Equipment & Speakers, VCRs, DVD Players, Game Consoles, Keyboards, Mice, and Joysticks. 


Delete all personal information from device(s) before recycling your used electronics. No appliances, oversized projection televisions, or household or hazardous waste will be accepted. Batteries stay in the equipment.


Questions? Contact Annette Bellino at annette.bellino@verizon.net.


transportation project survey: Your input is needed! In an effort to fund safer pedestrian and bicycle facilities, the Board of Supervisors approved $100 million in new funding for one-time investments in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure through FY 2027. To date, $30.2 million of the dedicated $100 million has been allocated for active transportation improvements and maintenance. See info here on transportation projects to-date.


Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has a survey to share your input on potential new projects. In Dranesville, these projects would impact multiple neighborhoods where Langley students live. In particular, Fairfax County is asking for input on whether pedestrian crosswalks should be installed in several intersections, including several on Georgetown Pike.


View the Active Transportation Project Prioritization for Funding website to see the proposed projects list. Choose the Dranesville District section to see the projects for our area and access the survey here. The survey will run through Mon, Oct 16

upcoming events

Oct 12: Fall Play, Alice in Wonderland, 7 pm, Auditorium

Oct 13: Alice in Wonderland Tea Party, 5:30 pm

Oct 13: Fall Play, Alice in Wonderland, 7 pm, Auditorium

Oct 14: Alice in Wonderland Tea Party, 5:30 pm

Oct 14: Fall Play, Alice in Wonderland, 2 pm and 7 pm, Auditorium

Oct 15: Fall Play, Alice in Wonderland, 2:30 pm, Auditorium

Oct 16: Class of 2027 Class Dinner, 6 pm, Cafeteria

Oct 17: Orchestra Concert, 7pm, Auditorium

Oct 19: Saxons Service 

Oct 19: Choir Concert, 7pm, Saint Luke Catholic Church 

Oct 25: PTSA General Membership Meeting, 9 am, Lecture Hall

Oct. 26: Band Concert, 7pm, Auditorium

Dec 9: Homecoming Dance, 8 pm

Join the LHS PTSA! Click Here.
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LHS PTSA eNews Editors
Pallabi Barua, Gary Coetzee, Lisa Durand, and Helen Miller
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Submit items by Tuesday noon for publication on Thursdays to enewslangley@gmail.com  
 
The Langley eNews is published by PTSA volunteers and includes news that pertains to LHS, PTSA and FCPS.
Any opinions expressed herein are those of the submitter and not necessarily those of LHS, PTSA or FCPS.